Women who are unhappy with the size and/or shape of their breasts may find that having breast augmentation in San Jose, Costa Rica is a more cost-effective solution compared to undergoing surgery back home.

Along with an incredibly beautiful tropical environment in which to recuperate, Costa Rica also offers substantially lower medical costs compared to the United States and Canada. The country's healthcare system and private cosmetic clinics have become widely recognized in the last few years for their high-quality in terms of standards of care and those end results.

Breast augmentation, often referred to as breast implants or informally, a "boob job", is an effective solution for women who are unhappy with the symmetry of their breasts.

Women who have lost breast volume following childbearing and nursing may also elect to have breast augmentation performed.

Breast augmentation may also be a good solution for women who have undergone breast cancer treatment or who have lost a significant amount of weight, including breast volume.

Nestled along the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is actually only a short plane ride from the United States, making San Jose a convenient option. Prior to their procedure, patients planning to have breast augmentation in San Jose can enjoy the opportunity to explore a variety of different attractions and sights, including museums, beautiful parks, and more.

Over the past decade or so, Costa Rica has become widely recognized for its many quality medical facilities, which adhere to the most stringent international standards, including those established by the International Standards Organization.

Patients who are considering traveling to Costa Rica for breast augmentation would nevertheless be well advised to take the time to perform ample research prior to selecting a surgeon and clinic. And this is how Medical Departures can assist. We understand the importance of choosing a trustworthy physician and provide a list of quality-checked doctors and facilities.

• As part of our quality-check process, we confirm professional memberships and qualifications.
• To ensure there are no unpleasant surprises, we also perform criminal and legal background checks.
• Our vetting process also includes patient interviews and visiting the facilities in person.

An important aspect of any breast augmentation procedure is determining the patient's goals. For this reason, you will meet with your surgeon prior to the procedure to discuss why you are having the procedure performed and how you would like your breasts to look following the procedure.

The main steps involved in the procedure are summarized as follows:

• The surgeon will typically make incisions below each breast, under the arms, or around the nipples, depending on what you have both agreed upon beforehand.
• Next, a pocket will be created in which an implant can be inserted.
• After the implants have been inserted, the incisions will be closed using skin adhesive, sutures, or surgical tape.
• The breasts will be wrapped with gauze bandages to promote healing.
• The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and will usually take about two hours.

Following surgery, it should be noted that:

• While you may be able to be up within 48 hours of your breast augmentation, you will also likely feel sore for several days and be advised to take it easy. Pain medication may be prescribed to minimize your discomfort. 
• Bandages can be removed within a few days and you will be able to wear a surgical bra to assist with support. 
• If stitches are used in your procedure, they can be removed within 10 days.
• Patients should expect to experience some burning or tingling in the nipples following their procedure. This is perfectly normal and could last for as long as two weeks.
• Swelling is also common and could last for up to six weeks following a breast augmentation procedure.
• Your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.
• How long you will need to wait before returning to work will depend on the nature of your work.
• Some scarring is common and may last for several months before the scars begin to fade.

The average cost for breast augmentation in San Jose is $3,200 (EUR €2,906, GBP £2,283, AUD $4,435). This is compared to $11,500 (EUR €10,444, GBP £8,204, AUD $15,941) in the United States.

Note: These are averages at the time of writing. Please check our individual clinic listings to compare the latest prices for breast augmentation surgery in San Jose below:

• Gustavo Chavarria
• Miguel Alfaro Davila

Find out more about our quality-checked facilities in San Jose. 

If you're ready to go ahead and book your procedure, read below for more information on how easy it is to schedule an appointment, for free. You can also speak to our Customer Care Team for more information about receiving a breast augmentation in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Sources:

Breast Implants. WebMD. Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation

Breast enlargement (implants). Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/breast-enlargement/

International Organization for Standardization. Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.iso.org/home.html

San Jose. Lonely Planet. Website accessed: 14 October 2020. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/costa-rica/san-jose

(Image by: Rodtico21)